Operator ID

EASA Operator ID — Go Digital

The EASA operator registration is mandatory for every drone pilot in the EU. Keep your operator ID and pilot certificate always at hand — as a digital pass in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.

LogoCertificado de piloto remoto UE
NOMBRE DEL PILOTO
Carlos García
NÚMERO DE REGISTRO
ESP-RP-j6w2m8py
CATEGORÍAS
A1/A3, A2
EMITIDO POR
AESA (España)
CADUCA
08.03.2031

What Is the EASA Operator ID?

The EASA operator ID — also known as the e-ID or drone operator registration number — is a unique identifier assigned to every drone operator in the European Union. Under EU Regulation 2019/947, anyone who operates a drone weighing 250 grams or more, or any drone fitted with a camera regardless of weight, must register as an operator with their national aviation authority.

Registration is done through your country's dedicated portal: the LBA in Germany, RDW in the Netherlands, DGAC in France, ENAC in Italy, AESA in Spain, and similar authorities in every EU member state. The operator ID is typically a combination of your country code and a unique alphanumeric string, such as DEU-RP-x7k9m2pw.

Once registered, you must physically label every drone you own with your operator ID. This number links the drone to a responsible person or legal entity, ensuring accountability in case of incidents. Many EU countries also require proof of third-party liability insurance as part of the registration process.

Operator ID vs Pilot Certificate

Operator Registration

Operator ID (e-ID)

The operator registration identifies the person or entity responsible for drone operations. It is about accountability, insurance, and traceability. You register once and the operator ID is linked to all your drones. A company can be the registered operator, with multiple pilots flying under its registration. Required for drones over 250g or any camera-equipped drone.

Pilot Qualification

Remote Pilot Certificate

The remote pilot certificate (A1/A3 or A2) proves that you, as an individual pilot, have the theoretical knowledge and competency to fly drones safely. It is personal and non-transferable. You earn it by passing an online exam through your national aviation authority. The certificate is valid for 5 years and must be renewed with a refresher exam.

In practice, most individual drone pilots hold both: they register as an operator (receiving the operator ID) and obtain their pilot certificate (A1/A3 or A2). Both credentials are essential for legal drone operations in the EU Open Category. With drone-pass.com, you can digitize your pilot certificate — which contains your registration details — into a convenient wallet pass.

Carry Your Credentials Digitally

EU drone regulations require pilots to be able to present their credentials during inspections or when requested by authorities. Traditionally, this means carrying a printed copy of your certificate and operator registration. But paper gets lost, fades, and is inconvenient to carry on every flight.

With drone-pass.com, you can convert your EASA drone pilot certificate PDF into a digital pass for Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Your pass includes your name, registration number, certificate categories, expiration date, and a QR code linking to the official verification page — all accessible with a single tap on your phone.

  • Always accessible — your credentials are on your phone, no paper needed
  • Instant verification — QR code links directly to the official EASA verification database
  • Works offline — Apple Wallet and Google Wallet passes work without internet
  • Automatic updates — if your certificate data changes, simply generate a new pass
  • Professional presentation — show a clean, official-looking digital pass during inspections

The process takes under a minute: upload your certificate PDF, pay the one-time €2.99 fee, and your digital pass is ready to download or receive via email on your iPhone or Android device.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EASA operator ID and who needs one?
The EASA operator ID is a unique registration number assigned to every drone operator in the EU under Regulation 2019/947. You need an operator ID if you fly a drone weighing 250g or more, or any drone equipped with a camera — regardless of weight. The registration is done through your national aviation authority (e.g., LBA in Germany, RDW in the Netherlands, DGAC in France) and the operator ID must be displayed on all your drones.
What is the difference between an operator ID and a remote pilot certificate?
The operator ID (e-ID) is a registration number for the person or entity responsible for drone operations — this is about accountability and insurance. The remote pilot certificate (A1/A3 or A2) is a qualification that proves you have the theoretical knowledge to fly safely. You need both: the operator registration to legally operate drones, and the pilot certificate to prove your competency. One person can hold both, or a company can be the operator while individual pilots hold their own certificates.
How do I register for an EASA operator ID?
Registration is done online through your national aviation authority's portal. You will need to provide your full name, address, date of birth, and valid identification. Most EU countries also require proof of third-party liability insurance covering drone operations. The registration process takes 10-30 minutes and the operator ID is typically issued immediately. Registration fees vary by country — some are free (like the Netherlands) while others charge an annual fee.
Do I need to display my operator ID on my drone?
Yes. Under EU Regulation 2019/947, your operator registration number must be affixed to every drone you operate. The ID should be visible and legible without requiring any tools to access it. Many pilots use small adhesive labels or engravings. Some newer drones also support electronic identification (Remote ID) where the operator ID is broadcast digitally during flight.
Can I store my operator ID digitally in my phone's wallet?
Yes! With drone-pass.com, you can convert your EASA drone pilot certificate — which includes your operator registration details — into a digital Apple Wallet or Google Wallet pass. Upload your certificate PDF, pay a one-time fee of €2.99, and have your credentials always accessible on your phone. This is especially useful during inspections or when flying at controlled locations where you need to present your credentials quickly.

Digitize Your Drone Credentials Today

Upload your EASA drone pilot certificate PDF and get your Apple Wallet pass in seconds. Always have your operator ID and pilot license ready when you fly.

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